Mubasher: Europe’s vehicle sales expanded significantly in January, driven by strong demand in Germany and Spain.

Sales rose by 7.1% to around 1.25 million cars in the European Union (EU) during the first month of 2018, compared with 1.17 million cars in the same month the year before, data by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed on Thursday.

Meanwhile, annual auto sales growth in the EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) stood at 6.8%, according to ACEA data.

The rise was backed by Spain's and Germany’s car registrations, which increased 20.3% and 11.6%, respectively.

As for companies, the top car manufacturing gainers were Volkswagen and Renault.